First time motor buyer needs advice...

[esteban14]

I need a 5 to 10 HP short shaft for a new inflatable kayak I just bought (16ft Kaboat, capacity 1100 lbs). Will be used mostly in salt water (not open ocean, obviously). Have 3 choices on craigs: 2001 Mercury 8 HP 2 str with new plugs, 1990 Nissan 9.9 HP 2 str, ??Yr Johnson 9.9 HP 2 str. All 3 look to be in good shape and approximately the same price. Please advise what you think is best for me. Thanks all.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

Welcome to the forums,

Merc 8 is 170 CC, Nissan and Johnny are 250 CC, great difference in punch and speed. Personally would go for the Nissan which is a rebadged Tohatsu, the Johnny has a horrible thermostat system that's very delicate. Probably could update Nissan's 9.9 to 15 for peanuts in near future, will depend on the model. Post some pics of the Nissan interior engine views if possible.

Happy Boating

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

there's a huge difference between a 5 hp and a 10hp. And on a kayak. Focus on weight and power. Less may be preferable.

 

[esteban14]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

there's a huge difference between a 5 hp and a 10hp. And on a kayak. Focus on weight and power. Less may be preferable.

Thanks for your comment. Kayak is a bit understated. it is a small boat. several you tube videos of the KaBoat shows guys running 10s and 15s even. I will almost always have 2 people and gear. Seldom less than 800 lbs.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

there's a huge difference between a 5 hp and a 10hp. And on a kayak. Focus on weight and power. Less may be preferable.

HC, it's a inflatable 16" kayak, if tech plate reccomends max 10 HP can handle a 9.9 with no problem, better go max rated HP, just in case needs to transport more passengers and weight, with less probably will be bored soon as usually happens.

Happy Boating

 

[esteban14]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

Welcome to the forums,

Merc 8 is 170 CC, Nissan and Johnny are 250 CC, great difference in punch and speed. Personally would go for the Nissan which is a rebadged Tohatsu, the Johnny has a horrible thermostat system that's very delicate. Probably could update Nissan's 9.9 to 15 for peanuts in near future, will depend on the model. Post some pics of the Nissan interior engine views if possible.

Happy Boating

Thanks SR. Tried to post this earlier but it did not like my answer to the random question. Here are the 2 links. Sorry I cant grab a pic.

http://images.craigslist.org/5L65N65J33Kb3J73H9c5f254daa767f491a7d.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/5Lc5G55F33m83L43M6c5d232e544a344615fd.jpg

 

[nwcove]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

what service shops are closest to you? the johnson is normally the easiest motor to have serviced .

 

[esteban14]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

what service shops are closest to you? the johnson is normally the easiest motor to have serviced .

Thanks for your comment Cove. I live in Delray Beach FL. There is 10 shops within 20 minutes. Service will be easy to get.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

That Johnny looks older version than the Nissan, any of them under owner/salesman warranty ? Or it's a : as it is where it is purchase. And Nissan's are rebadged Tohatsu if you didn't know.

Happy Boating

 

[esteban14]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

That Johnny looks older version than the Nissan, any of them under owner/salesman warranty ? Or it's a as it is where it is purchase. And Nissan's are rebadged Tohatsu if you didn't know.

Happy Boating

Update: Bought the Johnson. The 4 stk Nissan was simply too heavy for me to lug around. Interesting note: My craigslist area is 3 counties stretching from Miami, 70 miles north to Palm Beach. The 2 motors I looked at Sunday turned out to be located 1/2 block from each other 30 miles from my house. In fact, the owner of the Nissan motor watched me buy the Johnson. Poor guy.

Thanks to all of you for your advice. Being a newbie I am sure I will be posting questions in the weeks to come.

Steve

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

When you posted your thread you weren't sure if the Nissan 9.9 engine was 2 or 4 strokes engine, at least 10 Kg difference between both. Have a great boating time with your new engine.

Happy Boating

 

[esteban14]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

Nope. There was another Nissan 2 stroke I was confused about. Thx for your comments HB.

 

[ReelSlow72]

Re: First time motor buyer needs advice...

there's a huge difference between a 5 hp and a 10hp. And on a kayak. Focus on weight and power. Less may be preferable.

10HP on a Kayak!!?!?

Hope he can swim!